Device for indicating attainment of proper golf swing movements



Feb. 13; 1968 E. N.YDUNCAN 3,368,817

DEVICE FOR INDICAI'ING ATTAINMENT OF PROPER GOLF SWING MOVEMENTS FiledAug. 23, 1965 2 Sheets-Shet 1 INVENTOR.

Y EARL N.DUNCAN,

Feb. 13, 1968 E; N. DUNCAN 3,368,817

DEVICE FOR INDICATING ATTAINMENT OF PROPER GOLF SWING MOVEMENTS 2Sheens-Shiametv 2 Filed Aug. 23. 1 965 Md I 6 O. w. h -l INVENTOR.

EARLNL DUNCAN United States Patent M DEVICE FOR INDICATING ATTAINMENT OFPROPER GOLF SWING MOVEMENTS Earl N. Duncan, 61 E. Beechwood Ave.,

Dayton, Ohio 45405 Filed Aug. 23, 1965, Ser. No. 481,713 12 Claims. (Cl.273-483) This invention relates to a device for golfers, and isparticularly concerned with a device for monitoring a golfers swing andfor indicating to the golfer, or to an observer, when the golfers swingis taking place im properly.

It has long been known that the ultimate results in golfing, andparticularly with respect to driving and other long shots, is onlyobtained when the golfer follows a set rhymthic pattern in swinging theclub. By this rhymthic pattern includes properly addressing the ball,swinging the club backwardly, upwardly, and then swinging the club intocontact with the ball, and finally, following through with the clubhead.

Only by properly balancing and relating the several portions of theswing and integrating them into a smooth operation is it possible toobtain the distance and accuracy that is so desirable in the game ofgolf. Heretofore, the only way in which a golfer could analyze his swingby self observation, which is always difficult be cause the golfer mustconcentrate on making the swing; or by having another person, skilled inthe art of golfing, observe the golfers swing, and comment upon it.

As mentioned, the first method is diflicult because the golfersattention is directed to striking the ball and it is ditfic'ult for himto analyze his swing in detail, while the second method involves the useof an expensive professional if good results are to be obtained. Stillfurther, even with the use of a professional golfer to monitor a playersswing and to comment upon it, the greater portion of the time the golferis either by himself, or with other persons relatively unskilled inanalyzing a players faults, and thus can develop bad habits inconnection with his swing that are most difficult to eradicate.

With the foregoing in mind, a primary object of the present invention isthe provision of a relatively simple inexpensive, but highly reliabledevice which can be employed by a golfer for monitoring his swing andfor indicating to him when the swing is of a proper nature. 7

Still another object of this invention is the provision of a device ofthe nature referred to which can easily be clipped to the golfers belt,and which does not in any way 'interfer with his movements whileswinging at the ball.

Still another object of this invention is the provision of a device ofthe nature referred to which will provide readily discernible signals,so that the golfer can monitor his own swing without being distractedduring the act of swinging.

A still further object of this invention is the provision of a device ofthe nature referred to which is readily adjustable to meet theparticular needs of individual golfers so that one and the same devicecan be employed by different golfers, and so that one and the samedevice can be employed for monitoring the golfers swings pertaining todifferent conditions or different clubs.

A still further object of this invention is the provision of a device ofthe nature referred which is readily adaptable to to right orleft-handed golfers with no change whatsoever in the manner in which thedevice operates.

The foregoing objects of the present invention, as well as still otherobjects and advantages thereof, will become more apparent upon referenceto the folio-wing detailed description taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings wherein:

Patented Feb. 13, 1968 FIGURE 1 is a view showing a golfer addressing aball and also showing the position occupied by the signalling device ofthe present invention at that point in the golfers swing;

FIGURE 2 is a view like FIGURE 1 but shows the golfer in an intermediateportion of the back swing at about the time his wrists will break, andagain showing the signalling device in the position which it occupies atthis point in the swing;

FIGURE 3 is a view of the golfer at the peak of the back swing and alsoshowing the signalling device in its associated position;

FIGURE 4 shows the golfer in another critical position which is at aboutone third of the way into the down swing, and also showing thesignalling device in the position pertaining to that point in the swing;

FIGURE 5 shows the golfer toward the terminal end of the follow throughafter the ball has been struck and showing the signalling device in itsposition pertaining to that portion of the swing;

FIGURE 6 is a plan view, drawn at about full scale, looking down on topof the device of the present invention;

FIGURE-7 is a vertical sectional view indicated by line VII-VII ofFIGURE 6;

FIGURE 8 is an end view looking in from the left side of FIGURE 6;

FIGURE 9 is a view like FIGURE 6, but showing the device partly brokenaway to show one position of adjustment thereof;

FIGURES 1O, 11, and 12 are views like FIGURE 9, but shOWing the devicein other positions of adjustment thereof;

FIGURE 13 is a sectional view indicated by line XIII XIII on FIGURE 7;

FIGURE 14- is a view like FIGURE 13, but is indicated by line XIVXIV onFIGURE 7;

FIGURE 15 is a view like FIGURE 13, but shows a modification; and

FIGURE 16 is a sectional view of a modification.

Referring to the drawings somewhat more in detail; in FIG. 1 the golferis shown addressing a ball. The device accordingto the presentinvention, indicated at 10, is hooked to the golfers belt, indicated byreference numeral 12,' Club 14 in FIG. 1 is positioned immediatelyadjacent ball 16, and the golfer has assumed a position in which he isready to commence his back swing preparatory to driving the ball.

The device according to the present invention, which will be explainedmore in detail hereinafter, comprises, in general, a tube in which twoballs are located. The balls are arranged end to end axially of thetube, and are adapted to roll from end to end of the tube. Each end ofthe tube has an annular series of recesses for receiving the balls sothat the tube must be tilted to a predetermined angle before each ballis released to roll to the other end of the tube. Each ball, when itrolls to the other end of the tube, strikes against the end of the tube,or against the other ball, and will give a readily audible click. Byarranging the angle of inclination of the tube and the depth of therecesses which the balls engage, the device can be caused to giveaudible clicks at predetermined critical points in the golfers swing andthereby provide him with an indication of whether or not the swing isbeing properly carried out.

In FIG. 2, the golfer is in an intermediate portion of his back swingand it will be noted that the device 10 is tilted. The tilt of thedevice is such that one of the balls, indicated 18, has rolled down thetube axially thereof to the right end and this was provided a firstaudible click to the golfer.

In FIG. 3 the golfer is at about the peak of his back swing and thedevice 10 is tilted to such a degree that the second ball 20 has rolleddown the tube toward the right end thereof and provided a second audibleclick.

In FIG. 4, the golfer is at about the middle of his down swing anddevice 10 is tilted to such an angle that ball 20 rolls back to the leftend of the device and provides a still further audible click.

In FIG. 5 the golfer is at about the end of his follow through, and atthis time the device is tilted to such an angle that the first mentionedball 18 has again rolled down to the left end of the tube and hasprovided a final audible click to the golfer.

When the swing is properly carried out, the clicks occur rhythmicallyand at about uniform intervals and the golfer can thus readily tell whenhis swing has been properly carried out. Any disturbance of the rhythmicclicking of the balls during the back swing and the down swing andfollow through will indicate to the golfer that he is carrying out hisswing improperly for one reason or the other. With an indication of animproper swing the golfer can then take steps to correct his swing, orcan seek professional advice with regard to exactly what errors he iscommitting in making this swing.

The device itself, as will be seen in FIGS. 6 through 14 comprises anouter block 22, which may be a plastic material, and which has a bore 26extending therethrough at a slight angle. Mounted in bore 22 is a tube28 in which the aforementioned balls 18 and 20 are contained This tubeis closed at the ends, as by caps 30 and 32, although one of the capsmay be integral with the tube if so desired. The tube 28 is rotatable inbore 26 and to this end one of the caps, as at 30, may comprise a fingerportion 34 so that the tube can be rotated in the block. Cap 30 alsopreferably has indicia distributed thereabout, as indicated by referencecharacter 36, so that a plurality of different rotated positions of thetube in the block can readily be determined.

Block 22 on one side is provided with tapped holes 38, and which tappedholes are adapted for receiving screws 40 which secure a belt clip 42 tothe block. It will be seen that there are two rows of the holes 38, and,accordingly, the belt clip 42 can be fastened to either side of theblock. This adapts the device to both right-handed and left-handedgolfers with substantially no added expense. The tube 26, furthermore,can be withdrawn from the bore and turned end to end if so desired.

As will be seen in FIGS. 7, and 9 through 14, each end of the tube isprovided with a double row of recesses. The recesses at the right end ofthe tube comprise an annular row designated at 44 nearest the right endof the tube and a second annular row designated 46 spaced from the rightend of the tube.

Similarly, at the left end of the tube is a first row of recessesindicated 48 nearest the end of the tube, a second row of recessesindicated 50 spaced from the end of the tube. The row 44 at the rightend of the tube is adapted for receiving ball 18 and row 46 is adaptedfor receiving ball 20. Similarly, at the left end of the tube the row ofrecesses 48 is adapted for receiving ball 20 and the row of recesses 50is adapted for receiving the ball 18. The recesses are provided so thata predetermined tilt of the device is required before a ball rolls outof its respective recess and down the tube to the other end thereof.

It will be noticed that the rows of recesses nearest the ends of thetube are somewhat deeper than the rows of recesses spaced from the endof the tube so that as the device tilts, the ball spaced from the end ofthe tube at the raised end of the tube will first be released from itsrecess and roll down the tube and, thereafter, at a predeterminedgreater tilt of the device, the second ball at the raised end of thetube will roll from its recess and down to the opposite end of the tube.

When the device is tilted in the opposite direction the same actionoccurs with the ball farthest from the raised end of the tube beingreleased first and, thereafter, the ball nearest the raised end of thetube being released.

The recesses in each of the rows of recesses varies in size so that byrotating the tube, the angle of tilt at which the balls will be releasedcan be varied, whereby the device is readily adaptable to thepeculiarities of the individual golfer, and is also readily adapable todifferent types swings and for the different particular clubs a golferis to use.

For example, in FIG. 9, recess 44a of row 44 is about deep whereasrecess 46a of row 46 is about or inch deep. At the other end of thetube, recess 50a pertaining to row 50 is about inch deep and recess 48apertaining to row 48 is about inch deep. It will be noted that the fourrecesses referred to are all in a line, so that when a ball rolls out ofone recess and down to the other end of the tube it will drop into itspertaining recess at the opposite end, The row of recesses describedpertain to one setting of the tube in the block.

In FIG. 10', recess 44!: pertaining to row 44 is about inch deep,whereas recess 46b pertaining to row 46 is about inch deep. At theopposite end of the tube, recess 5% pertaining to row 50 is about inchdeep, and recess 48b pertaining to row 48 is about inch deep.

In FIG. 11; recess 44c pertaining to row 44 is about %4 inch deep while460 pertaining to row 46 is about inch deep. At the other end of thetube recess 50c pertaining to row 50 is about A inch deep, whereasrecess 48c pertaining to row 48 is about 4, inch deep.

In FIG. 12; recess 44d pertaining to row 44 is about inch deep Whilerecess 46d pertaining to row 46 is about A,; inch deep.

At the other end of the tube, recess 50d pertaining to row 50 is aboutinch deep whereas recess 48d pertaining to row 48 is about inch deep.

It will be understood that the foregoing specific dimensions for thedepths of the various recesses is not intended to be limiting, but aregiven merely to indicate how the depth of the recesses vary fromposition to position of the tube in the block, whereby the reaction ofthe device can be varied.

The balls 18 and 20, themselves, for cooperation with recesses of aboutthe size referred to would be on the order of of an inch in diameter.The internal diameter of tube 28 for accommodating the balls would beabout /2 inch. Again, it will be understood that the particulardimension as given is not intended in any way to be limiting on thepractice of the present invention.

Instead of providing recesses or pockets for the balls, annular groovescould be formed in the tube as shown in FIG. 15 wherein one such grooveis shown at 60. This groove varies in depth and width about the tube andthus presents a pocket for the respective ball which varies in size asthe tube is rotated. Inasmuch 'as the pockets and grooves referred toare for the purpose of requiring the tube to be tilted before a ballwill roll down the tube, it will be apparent that other means such asribs could be formed in the tube to accomplish this result. Such a rib,for example, would be an inversion of groove 60.

It is believed that the operation of the device will be clear from theforegoing detailed description of the device, particularly with respectto FIGURES 1 through 5. However, the following comments pertaining tothe operation of the device, and the benefits of using the device willbe helpful in understanding the true nature of the indicating device andthe manner in which it assists a golfer in refining and improving hisswing thereby to obtain the best possible results.

Balance: This device will remind one to stand erect with the kneesslightly bent, also to bend forward at the waist, which is normal, withthe left shoulder higher, moving the hips forward until the device islevel or square, putting the weight on heels and balls of feet. Theballs in the device will drop to the right end of the device and willrun true to the movement of the swing. This is a balanced stance whenaddressing the golf shot.

Start of back swing: The left arm straight, which takes the club backnear the ground, with the hips moving parallel to the right at same timeuntil sound of the return of the first ball to the left end of thedevice. This will bring or put the club and left arm Waist high and nearparallel with the ground.

Making the shoulders turn: Continuing the movement of club and shouldersand hips will shift the weight to the right side on the right leg, andturn to a 40% degree turn before hearing the return of the second ballto the left end of the device, putting the club approximately parallelto the ground in back of neck and shoulders; the sound of second ball.This will remind one to stop, and prevents over swinging. This devicecan be adjusted to please or fit the golfters need, for a shorter swingsuch as to a shorter club or a shorter shot, or short person such as achild.

Starting the down swing: This will remind one to start with the movementof the hips to the left side and at the direction in which to hit theball.

Shifting the hips parallel to the left side: This will bring the cluband hands into hitting area, with the weight of hips and body continuinguntil you hear the return of the third sound of ball return to the rightside of device. With the shift of hips and weight parallel to the leftside and the head fixed in position and kept behind the ball; the handswill turn and wrist will bend or unlock at hitting area of the impact ofclub and ball. This force with shoulders and club moving the hips willturn to a 135 degree turn and you will bear the return of the fourthball to the right end of the device, with the weight on the left sideand a good finish, and follow through.

Adjusting and synchronizing: With the pockets in each end of the devicebeing of less depth, the balls will come out sooner, adjusting to thefour different positions. Because of the less shifting of weight inconjunction of or with the returns and movement of the ball, the swingcan be shortened or of more length or different distance hitting. Thisdevice can be adjusted for right or left-handed golfers; also for heavyor light weight clubs; also for short or long clubs; also for short orlong distance hitting; also for tall or short persons.

A modification of the invention is shown in FIGURE 16 wherein the tube70, having balls 72 and 74 therein is provided with annular ribs 76 and78 at one end, and 80 and 82 at the other end. The ribs serve asrestraining means, similarly to the pockets and grooves previouslyreferred to, which prevent the balls from moving away from the end ofthe tube until the tube is tilted to a predetermined angle to thehorizontal. The ribs vary in height circumferentially of the tube andthe device in which the tube is mounted thus varies in response totilting thereof as the tube is adjusted angularly therein.

In FIGURE 16, a conductive ring 84 is disposed adjacent each rib so thatthe ball restrained by the respective rib will rest on the pertainingring when ball passes over the rib. The endmost ball in the tube restsnot only on the pertaining conductive ring but also against theconductive plate 86 in the end of the tube. By connecting battery 88 andthe electrically operable element 90 in circuit between the plate andring, a signal in addition to the audible click referred to can beattained. For instance, a light or audible signal can be thus actuatedon the electrically operable element could operate a recording mechanismto make a record.

The second ball in each end of the tube engages the pertaining ring andthe end ball and thereby completes a circuit through a pertainingelectrically operable element 92 and said battery to provide for anothersignal or another recording operation,

In FIGURE 16, the tube is of electrically non-conductive material whilethe balls are of electrically conductive material.

For the sake of completeness, there may also be added a few wordsconcerning the stance. At the address of the golf swing with a long clubsuch as a #l or #2 wood, the feet are apart by a distance approximatelythe width of the shoulders and the ball is being played out from theleft heel with approximately of the weight on the right foot and side.The right hand is placed so that it is below the left hand on the club.This will put the right shoulder and hip lower than the left shoulderand hip and will also incline the device according to the invention towardthe right side. By taking such a long club in a back swing in alarge arc, with the shifting of weight from the left foot to the rightfoot at its widest stance, the movement of balls in the device will beslower than a more narrow stance with a short club, because the anglewill change faster with a narrow stance and short club. The deviceaccording to the invention can be adjusted to different clubs andstances or swings, or the strength of the golf player. The alignment ofthe ball being played out from the left heel is such that a #1 wood at anormal stance will reach with the club head when swinging to hit theball.

The device according to the invention can be adjusted to four differentpositions in which the stance varies and the position in which the ballshould be played from at address, as taught by professionals. It may beassumed that the golfer having a 24 width stance plays a #1, #2 or #3wood and, starting with #1 wood, plays the ball out from the left heelalignment, and #2 wood position plays the ball 2" to the right of wherehe played the #1 club. The #3 wood should be played 2" to the right ofthe position of the ball of the #2 club. The #3 club and three differentposit-ions represent a zone. In the next zone each shorter club isplayed as #4 wood, 2-iron, 3-iron. Each club is being played farther tothe right at 2" intervals from the position of where the #3 wood andposition of ball were played. The #4, #5 and #6 irons should positionthe ball at 2" intervals to the right of where the #3 iron and ball werepositioned. The #7, #8 and #9 irons should be played at 2" intervals tothe right of the position from where the 6 iron and ball were played. Ateach zone (there are four zones) the ball is played more to the rightwith each shorter club, which will change the hip angle and also theangle of the device according to the invention. Each zone of three.clubs and position of ball change at the stance to which the device canbe adjusted. With each 2 change of the ball position, the feet are movedfrom a 24" closed stance at 2" intervals with each position of the ball,to an open stance with the feet 2" apart for a short iron or wedge.

This invention will also encourage a one-position swing, which is taughtby professional golfers. More specifically, the club, head, hands,shoulder and hip are moved back as a unit until the first return of theball, in the device according to the invention, is heard before breakingthe wrist. The longer the arc, the more power and the more accuracy willbe developed by the golfer.

The invention also can be used to check and analyze the proper footworkin a golf shot or golf swing with proper stance. By pushing down on theheel of the right foot and on the toe of the left foot while permittingthe left heel to come up 2" off the ground, the weight is shifted to theright side and the wrist is permitted to break at the top of thebackswing with the rhythmic onetwo countstop. Before moving the hands,the left heel is pushed down to the ground until the third ball returnis heard in the device. Then the right foot is pushed down until theheel comes off the ground while the toe of the right foot remains intouch with the ground for a fourth return of the ball and a good finish.This is to monitor and train for good footwork such as right heel andleft toe on back-swing and left heel and right toe on downswing with a12 stop, 12 finish.

It will be understood that this invention is susceptible to modificationin order to adapt it to different usages and conditions; andaccordingly, it is desired to comprehend such modifications within thisinvention as may fall within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A device for monitoring and indicating the movements of an individualduring a golf swing comprising; a tubular element, first and secondmoveable members in a row in said tubular element moveable from end toend thereof upon tilting of said tubular element in a verticaldirection, a support block having a bore receiving said tubular element,and a hook member secured to said block for attaching said block to saidindividual and to support the block so the axis of said tubular elementhas a predetermined orientation relative to the horizontal, said tubularelement comprising first and second restraining means therein at eachend for individual engagement with said moveable members to restrain themembers individually against movement away from the pertaining 'end ofthe tubular element until the tubular element is til-ted to apredetermined angle, and the degree of restraint provided by said firstrestraining means being different from that provided by said secondres-training means, whereby said first and second members may movesuccessively from their restrained positions when said element is movedsuccessively to first and second predetertermined tilt angles.

2. A device for monitoring and indicating the movements of an individualduring a golf swing comprising; a tubular element, first and secondmoveable members in a row in said tubular element moveable from end toend thereof upon tilting of said tubular element in a verticaldirection, a support block having a bore receiving said tubular element,and a hook member secured to said block for attaching said block to saidindividual and to support the block so the axis of said tubular elementhas a predetermined orientation relative to the horizontal, said tubularelement comprising first and second restraining means therein at eachend for individual engagement with said moveable members to restrain themembers individually against movement away from the pertaining end ofthe tubular element until the tubular element is tilted to apredetermined angle, and the degree of restraint provided by said firstrestraining means being different from that provided by said secondrest-raining means, whereby said first and second members may movesuccessively from their restrained position-s when said element is movedsuccessively to first and second predetermined tilt angles, saidmoveable members comprising balls and said restraining means comprisingrecess means in the wall of said tubular element.

3. A device for monitoring and indicating the movements of an individualduring a golf swing comprising; a tubular element, first and secondmoveable members in a row in said tubular element moveable from endto'end thereof upon tilting of said tubular element in a verticaldirection, a support block having a bore receiving said tubular element,and a hook member secured to said block for attaching said block to saidindividual and to support the block so the axis of said tubular elementhas a predetermined orientation relative to the horizontal, said tubularelement comprising first and second restraining means therein at eachend for individual engagement with said moveable members to restrain themembers individually against movement away from the pertaining end ofthe tubular element until the tubular element is tilted to apredetermined angle, and the degree of restraint provided by said firstrestraining means being different from that provided by said secondrestraining means, whereby said first and second members may movesuccessively from their restrained positions when said element is movedsuccessively to first and second predetermined tilt angles, saidmoveable members comprising balls and said restraining means comprisingrecess means in the wall of said tubular element, said tubular elementbeing rotatable on its axis in said block, and said recess means varyingin character circumferentially of said tubular element so thecharacteristics of the device can be varied by adjusting said tubularelement angularly in said bore.

4. A device for monitoring and indicating the move ments of anindividual during a golf swing comprising; a tubular element, first andsecond moveable members in a row in said tubular element moveable fromend to end thereof upon tilting of said tubular element in a verticaldirection, a support block having a bore receiving said tubular element,and a hook member secured to said block for attaching said block to saidindividual and to support the block so the axis of said tubular elementhas a predetermined orientation relative to the horizontal, said tubularelement comprising first and second restraining means therein at eachend for individual engagement with said moveable members to restrain themembers in dividually against movement away from the pertaining end ofthe tubular element until the tubular element is tilted to apredetermined angle, and the degree of restraint provided by said firstrestraining means being different from that provided by said secondrestraining means, whereby said first and second members may movesuccessively from their restrained positions when said element is movedsuccessively to first and second predetermined tilt angles, saidmoveable means comprising balls and said restraining means comprisingrecess means in the wall of said tubular element, said tubular elementbeing rotatable on its axis in said block, and said recess means varyingin character ciroumferentially ofsaid tubular element so thecharacteristics of the device can be varied by adjusting said tubularelement angularly in said bore, said bore being inclined at an angle insaid block.

5. A device for monitoring and indicating the movements of an individualduring a golf swing comprising; a tubular element, first and secondmoveable members in a row in said tubular element moveable from end toend thereof upon tilting of said tubular element in a verticaldirection, a support block having a bore receiving said tubular element,and a hook member secured to said block for attaching said block to saidindividual and to support the block so the axis of said tubular elementhas a predetermined orientation relative to the horizontal, said tubularelement comprising first and second restraining means therein at eachend for individual engagement with said moveable members to restrain themembers individually against movement away from the pertaining end ofthe tubular element until the tubular element is tilted to apredetermined angle, and the degree of restraint provided by said firstrestraining means being different from that provided by said secondrestraining means, whereby said first and second members may movesuccessively from their restrained positions when said element is movedsuccessively to first and second predetermined tilt angles, said movablemembers comprising balls and said restraining means comprising recessmeans in the wall of said tubular element, said tubular element beingrotatable on its axis in said block, and said recess means varying incharacter circumferentially of said tubular element so thecharacteristics of the device can be varied by adjusting said tubularelement angularly in said bore, said bore being inclined at an angle insaid block, said hook mem-.

her being removably secured to said block whereby said hook member maybe secured to either of two opposite sides of the block.

6. A device for monitoring and indicating the movements of an individualduring a golf swing comprising; a tubular element, first and secondmoveable members in a row in said tubular element moveable from end toend thereof upon tilting of said tubular element in a verticaldirection, a support block having a bore receiving said tubular element,and a hook member secured to said block for attaching said block to saidindividual and to support the block so the axis of said tubular elementhas a predetermined orientation relative to the horizontal, said tubularelement comprising first and second restraining means therein at eachend for individual engagement with said moveable members to restrain themembers indi: vidually against movement away from the pertaining end ofthe tubular element until the tubular element is tilted to apredetermined angle, and the degree of restraint provided by said firstrestraining means being different from that provided by said secondrestraining means, whereby said first and second members may movesuccessively from their restrained positions when said element is movedsuccessively to first and second predetermined tilt angles, saidmoveable members comprising balls and said restraining means comprisingrecess means in the Wall of said tubular element, said tubular elementbeing rotatable on its axis in said block, and said recess means varyingin character circumferentially of said tubular element so thecharacteristics of the device can be varied by adjusting said tubularelement angularly in said bore, and cooperating elements of indicia onthe block and on said tubular element for indicating the angularposition of the tubular element in the block.

7. A device for monitoring and indicating the movements of an individualduring a golf swing comprising; a tubular element, first and secondmovable members in a row in said tubular element moveable from end toend thereof upon tilting of said tubular element in a verticaldirection, a support block having a bore receiving said tubular element,and a hook member secured to said block for attaching said block to saidindividual and to support the block so the axis of said tubular elementhas a predetermined orientation relative to the horizontal, said tubularelement comprising first and second restraining means therein at eachend for individual engagement with said moveable members to restrain themembers individually against movement away from the pertaining end ofthe tubular element until the tubular element is tilted to apredetermined angle, and the degree of restraint provided by said firstrestraining means being different from that provided by said secondrestraining means, whereby said first and second members may movesuuccessively from their restrained positions when said element is movedsuccessively to first and second predetermined tilt angles, saidmoveable members comprising balls and said restraining means comprisingrecess means in the wall of said tubular element, said tubular elementbeing rotatable on its axis in said block, and said recess means varyingin character circumferentially of said tubular element so thecharacteristics of the device can be varied by adjusting said tubularelement angularly in said bore, said recess means comprising a pluralityof annular rows of pockets, and each pocket in each row being in axialalignment with a respective pocket in each other row.

8. A device for monitoring and indicating the movements of an individualduring a golf swing comprising; a tubular element, first and secondmoveable members in a row in said tubular element moveable from end toend thereof upon tilting of said tubular element in a verticaldirection, a support block having a bore receiving said tubular element,and a hook member secured to said block for attaching said block to saidindividual and to support the block so the axis of said tubular elementhas a predetermined orientation relative to the horizontal, said tubularelement comprising first and second restraining means therein at eachend for individual engagement with said moveable members to restrain themembers individually against movement away from the pertaining end ofthe tubular element until the tubular element is tilted to apredetermined angle, and the degree of restraint provided by said firstrestraining means being different from that provided by said secondrestraining means, whereby said first and second members may movesuccessively from their restrained positions when said element is movedsuccessively to first and second predetermined tilt angles, saidmoveable members comprising balls and said restraining means comprisingrecess means in the Wall of said tubular element, said tubular elementbeing rotatable on its axis in said block, and said recess means varyingin character circumferentially of said tubular element so thecharacteristics of the device can be varied by adjusting said tubularelement" angularly in said bore, said recess means comprising annulargrooves in said tubular element varying in depth and width in adirection circumferentially of the tubular element.

9. A device for monitoring and indicating the movements of an individualduring a golf swing comprising; a tubular element, first and secondmoveable members in a row in said tubular element moveable from end toend thereof upon tilting of said tubular element in a verticaldirection, a support block having a bore receiving said tubular element,and a hook member secured to said block for attaching said block to saidindividual and to support the block so the axis of said tubular elementhas a predetermined orientation relative to the horizontal, said tubularelement comprising first and second restraining means therein at eachend for individual engagement with said moveable members to restrain themembers individually against movement away from the pertaining end ofthe tubular element until the tubular element is tilted to apredetermined angle, and the degree of restraint provided by said firstrestraining means being different from that provided by said secondrestraining means, whereby said first and second members may movesuccessively from their restrained positions when said element is movedsuccessively to first and second predetermined tilt angles, saidmoveable members comprising balls and said restraining means comprisingannular ribs formed inside said tubular element.

10. A device for monitoring and indicating the movements of anindividual during a golf swing comprising; a tubular element, first andsecond moveable members in a row in said tubular element moveable fromend to end thereof upon tilting of said tubular element in a verticaldirection, a support block having a bore receiving said tubular element,and a hook member secured to said block for attaching said block to saidindividual and to support the block so the axis of said tubular elementhas a predetermined orientation relative to the horizontal, said tubularelement comprising first and second restraining means therein at eachend for individual engagement with said moveable members to restrain themembers individually against movement away from the pertaining end ofthe tubular element until the tubular element is tilted to apredetermined angle, and the degree of restraint provided by said firstrestraining means being different from that provided by said secondrestraining means, whereby said first and second members may movesuccessively from their restrained positions when said element is movedsuccessively to first and second predetermined tilt angles, saidmoveable members comprising balls and said restraining means comprisingrecess means in the wall of said tubular element, said tubular elementbeing rotatable on its axis in said block, and said recess means varyingin character circumferentially of said tubular element so thecharacteristics of the device can be varied by adjusting said tubularelement angularly in said bore, said balls causing audible clicks fromsaid device upon each ball reaching each terminal position thereof.

11. A device for monitoring and indicating the move ments of anindividual during 'a golf swing comprising; a tubular element, first andsecond moveable members in a row in said tubular element moveable fromend to end thereof upon tilting of said tubular element in a verticaldirection, a support block having a bore receiving said tubular element,and a hook member secured to said block for attaching said block to saidindividual and to support the block so the axis of said tubular elementhas a predetermined orientation relative to the horizontal, said tubularelement comprising first and second restraining means therein at eachend for individual engagement with said moveable members to restrain themembers individually against movement away from the pertaining end ofthe tubular element until the tubular element is tilted to apredetermined angle, and the degree of restraint provided by said firstrestraining means being different from that provided by said secondrestraining means, whereby said first and second members may movesuccessively from their restrained positions when said element is movedsuccessively to first and second predetermined tilt angles, and electriccircuit means for each end position of each moveable member closed bymovement of the respective moveable member into the pertaining endposition.

12. A device for monitoring and indicating the movements of anindividual during a golf swing comprising; a tubular element, first andsecond moveable members in a row in said tubular element moveable fromend to end thereof upon tilting of said tubular element in a verticaldirection, a support block having a bore receiving said tubular element,and a hook member secured to said block for attaching said block to saidindividual and to support the block so the axis of said tubular elementhas a predetermined orientation relative to the hori- Zontal, saidtubular element comprising first and second restraining means therein ateach end for individual engagement with said moveable members torestrain the members individually against movement away from thepertaining end of the tubular element until the tubular element istilted to a predetermined angle, and the degree of restraint provided bysaid first restraining means being dilferent from that provided by saidsecond restraining means, whereby said first and second members may movesuccessively from their restrained positions when said element is movedsuccessively to first and second predetermined tilt angles, saidmoveable members comprising balls and said restraining means comprisingannular ribs formed inside said tubular element, an annular contact ringadjacent each rib on which the pertaining ball rests when at thepertaining end of the tubular element, a contact plate on the inside ofthe tubular element at each end thereof which is contacted by theendmost ball in the tubular element when in the pertaining end of thetubular element, a source of voltage having one side connected to saidcontact plates, a plurality of electrically operable means adapted todevelop signals and each having one side connected to the other side ofsaid source of voltage and the other side connected to a respective oneof said contact rings, said tubular element being elec trical insulatingmaterial and said balls being metal.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,316,313 9/1919 Mac Gillivray116-114 1,842,384 1/1932 Blanchard 73-492 3,156,211 11/1964 Mallory 273-X 3,233,802 2/1966 Ludwick 27332 X FOREIGN PATENTS 635,448 4/1950 GreatBritain.

ANTON O. OECHSLE, Primary Examiner.

G. J. MARLO, Assistant Examiner.

1. A DEVICE FOR MONITORING AND INDICATING THE MOVEMENTS OF AN INDIVIDUALDURING A GOLF SWING COMPRISING; A TUBULAR ELEMENT, FIRST AND SECONDMOVEABLE MEMBERS IN A ROW IN SAID TUBULAR ELEMENT MOVEABLE FROM END TOEND THEREOF UPON TILTING OF SAID TUBULAR ELEMENT IN A VERTICALDIRECTION, A SUPPORT BLOCK HAVING A BORE RECEIVING SAID TUBULAR ELEMENT,AND A HOOK MEMBER SECURED TO SAID BLOCK FOR ATTACHING SAID BLOCK TO SAIDINDIVIDUAL AND TO SUPPORT THE BLOCK TO THE AXIS OF SAID TUBULAR ELEMENTHAS A PREDETERMINED ORIENTATION RELATIVE TO THE HORIZONTAL, SAID TUBULARELEMENT COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND RESTRAINING MEANS THEREIN AT EACHEND FOR INDIVIDUAL ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID MOVEABLE MEMBERS TO RESTRAIN THEMEMBERS INDIVIDUALLY AGAINST MOVEMENT AWAY FROM THE PERTAINING END OFTHE TUBULAR ELEMENT UNTIL THE TUBULAR ELEMENT IS TILTED TO APREDETERMINED ANGLE, AND THE DEGREE OF RESTRAINT PROVIDED BY SAID FIRSTRESTAINING MEANS BEING DIFFERENT FROM THAT PROVIDED BY SAID SECONDRESTRAINING MEANS, WHEREBY SAID FIRST AND SECOND MEMBERS MAY MOVESUCCESSIVELY FROM THEIR RESTRAINED POSITIONS WHEN SAID ELEMENT IS MOVEDSUCCESSIVELY TO FIRST AND SECOND PREDETERTERMINED TILT ANGLES.